Music News (10/8/25)
Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inducts Seven
Pictured (L-R): 2025 Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame Inductees Don Cook, Steve Bogard, Brad Paisley, Emmylou Harris, Jim Lauderdale and Tony Martin. Photo: Bev Moser
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) celebrated its 55th Anniversary Gala last night (Oct. 6), officially inducting seven remarkable tunesmiths into the Class of 2025. The ceremony at Nashville’s Music City Center paid tribute to the new members with heartfelt speeches and star-studded performances of some of their biggest hits.
This year’s class includes Steve Bogard and Tony Martin in the songwriter category; Jim Lauderdale and Brad Paisley in the songwriter/artist category; Don Cook in the veteran songwriter category; and Emmylou Harris in the veteran songwriter/artist category. The late JJ Cale was also recognized in the Legacy category, which honors NaSHOF-worthy candidates who are deceased.
“Tonight, we are gratified to welcome seven more extraordinary songwriters into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame,” shared Rich Hallworth, Board Chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. “Along with their families, friends and members of the music industry, we celebrate them as they join this Hall of elite songwriters.”
Following opening remarks from NaSHOF Executive Director Mark Ford and Hallworth, the evening opened with a tribute to Cale. Hall of Fame member Gary Nicholson presented the honor, and Americana artist John Fullbright delivered a soulful rendition of Cale’s blues-rock classic “After Midnight.” Christine Lakeland-Cale accepted on behalf of her late husband.
Hall of Fame member Tom Shapiro presented Tony Martin, who was saluted by longtime friend Wendell Mobley with their co-written Jason Aldean hit “A Little More Summertime.”
“Next to being the sheriff of Mayberry, being a songwriter is the best job in the world,” Martin quipped when he accepted.
Gretchen Peters introduced Jim Lauderdale, followed by Lee Ann Womack’s tender performance of his signature “The King of Broken Hearts,” accompanied by Buddy Miller.
“I’m so grateful for this,” Lauderdale shared. “I will cherish this night for the rest of my life.”
Bill Anderson and Steve Wariner, both Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry members, teamed up to honor Brad Paisley—Anderson presenting and Wariner performing “We Danced.”
“I have always wanted to be you,” Paisley told the room of songwriters. “I moved here wanting to be a songwriter because I knew that community is what made this town so unique.”
Kix Brooks presented longtime collaborator and producer Don Cook, then joined Ronnie Dunn to perform their 1991 Brooks & Dunn debut “Brand New Man,” co-written by all three.
“I can’t believe they want me in this organization,” Cook said. “It blows my mind that I get to be in this group of heroes and friends.”
Dierks Bentley took the stage to salute Steve Bogard with a rendition of their Grammy-nominated hit “Every Mile a Memory.” Rory Bourke, a Hall of Fame member himself, presented the honor.
“I’m as dedicated as ever to trying to write great songs,” Bogard noted. “It’s still the best part of our day.”
The evening concluded with a poignant moment as Vince Gill performed Emmylou Harris’ beloved “Boulder to Birmingham,” following remarks from Hall of Famer Rodney Crowell.
“I stand here as a champion of the songwriter,” Harris said. “As someone who lives off the song and appreciates the hard work and artistry that goes into it, I’m so grateful for your work. Please don’t stop, because the world needs songs.”
The gala also paid tribute to three Hall of Fame members lost since last year’s event—Troy Seals, Sonny Curtis and Brett James. Kenny Chesney honored the late James with a moving performance of his hit “When the Sun Goes Down.”
The celebration began with a welcoming performance from The Garrett Boys and was once again hosted by the legendary Bill Cody, longtime “voice” of the gala and host of 650 AM WSM’s Coffee, Country & Cody.
The MLC Marks Growth At Annual Membership Meeting
The Mechanical Licensing Collective held its Annual Membership Meeting on Oct. 1, marking another year of growth, progress, and impact including more than $3 Billion in royalties distributed.
The MLC’s Class A Members re-selected Kara DioGuardi to serve another three-year term as a Songwriter Director of the Board, and the MLC’s Class B Members re-elected Tim Cohan of peermusic to serve another term as a Publisher Director and elected Lidia Kim of Concord Music Publishing as a new Publisher Director. The makeup of the Class C Members will remain unchanged in 2026.
“The MLC has become the largest single source of U.S. digital revenue for songwriters and publishers—distributing more than $3 billion in royalties since launching operations, at no cost to our Members,” says Alisa Coleman, Board Chair of The MLC. “With pride comes responsibility. Our job now is to sustain this success, keep improving, and ensure every songwriter and publisher—no matter their size or background—can rely on The MLC as a trusted partner in their creative journey.”
Over its first four years of operations, The MLC has continued to efficiently administer the mechanical license for more than 50 digital service providers across the U.S. In 2025, membership has grown to more than 68,000 members worldwide. The MLC has also continued to see a steady increase in the volume of musical works data added to its public database, which now contains data for more than 50 million songs. As a result, The MLC has surpassed a major milestone, distributing more than $3 billion in total royalties to rightsholders.
The MLC has distributed more than $225 million in historical royalties, more than 57% of the total amount of historical unmatched royalties DSPs were unable to match and distribute before transferring them to The MLC. The MLC’s current match rate for all royalties processed through September’s royalty distribution is nearly 92%. The MLC has also made extensive efforts to conduct outreach and educational activities aimed at reaching the full cross-section of the rightsholder community, with nearly 200 outreach and education events in 2025, contributing to a total of more than 1,000 outreach and education activities to reach and educate rightsholders.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the support of our Members and partners,” shares Kris Ahrend, CEO of The MLC. “Together, we’ve built an organization that is committed to providing world-class service that empowers our Members, enhances transparency, drives innovation, and transforms the way rights and royalties are administered in the music business. We look forward to achieving more milestones in the coming year, all while remaining laser-focused on fulfilling our mission to ensure that songwriters, composers, lyricists, and their music publishing and administration partners receive their mechanical royalties from streaming and download services in the United States accurately and on time.”
Samantha Saturn Exits SESAC
Samantha Saturn. Photo: Anthony Romano
SESAC Music Group Chief Marketing Officer Samantha Saturn has exited the company after seven years of leadership.
During her time at SESAC, she elevated the company’s profile by overseeing brand transformation, strengthning communications strategy, and driving digital growth. Her work reached songwriters, composers, artists and the broader music community.
“Samantha has provided tremendous value and leadership to SESAC Music Group, guiding our brand and communications with vision, creativity, and impact,” says SESAC Music Group Chairman & CEO John Josephson. “Her leadership was instrumental in our digital growth and in strengthening our relationships across the music industry. While we will miss her greatly, I am excited to see Samantha begin a new chapter, one she is excited about.”
“My time at SESAC Music Group has been one of the most rewarding professional experiences of my career, and I am grateful to have worked alongside such a talented global team of passionate music fans, dedicated to driving value for songwriters, composers, and artists as well as music publishers and record labels,” adds Saturn. “My passion as a creative leader focused on driving innovation and revenue will continue to be my focus as I move into my next chapter in the music industry.”
MEGG Signs With 507 Publishing
Pictured (L-R): Teri Nelson Carpenter (CEO), MEGG, Madison Policastri (A&R Manager) and Cooper Carr (A&R Coordinator). Photo: Studio TM
MEGG has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with 507 Publishing.
“I’ve been waiting a long time to find a team who truly believes in my music and who I am as an artist – it feels really good to have found a home in 507 Publishing with people I trust, ” says MEGG. “This team is small but mighty and I’m stoked to be partnering with 507 Publishing for this next chapter of my career.”
A California native, MEGG has penned songs with Scott Hoying, Matias Mora, CASTLE, Rob Nagelhout, KTL, AJ Peacox, Shawn K and more. She recently played the 30th anniversary of Van’s Warped Tour, opened for The Used at Musink, shared the stage with KISS and more.
“MEGG is a force. She is unapologetically herself – it’s so inspiring to watch her authentically show up as a writer, artist, and human,” shares Madison Policastri, A&R Manager at 507 Publishing. “The dedication to her craft is indisputable and excites me as a publisher and fan – 507 Publishing is so honored to have her.”
“I am so proud to have MEGG be a part of this new chapter for the company”, adds Teri Nelson Carpenter, CEO. “Her creativity, personality and artistry are perfectly aligned with 507 Publishing’s mission to be a unique, all-genre space where writers’ individuality is allowed to shine.
Low Life Club, MEGG’s upcoming debut EP, is slated for release on Oct. 24 and features her latest single, “IDC.”
Parker McCollum Extends Global Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell Music Nashville
Pictured (L-R): Jessi Vaughn Stevenson (WCM), Parker McCollum and Austen Adams. Photo: Courtesy of WCM
Parker McCollum has renewed his global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.
McCollum’s hits have included his RIAA Platinum certified “Pretty Heart” and “Burn It Down.” His most recent album release reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. In 2022, McCollum earned the win as ACM’s New Male Artist of the Year, and was nominated for CMA Song of the Year with “Burn It Down” the following year.
“Writing songs is where I’m myself the most,” shares McCollum. “I’m a songwriter first, and getting to do what I love, alongside a team that has fully supported my journey since the very beginning makes all the difference. I’m proud and grateful to have Jessi, Austen, and the entire Warner Chappell team on my side. The best is yet to come.”
“Having the privilege to work with Parker has been one of the most creatively fulfilling and rewarding facets of my career,” says Jessi Vaughn Stevenson, VP, A&R, WCM Nashville. “We’re thrilled to continue our creative partnership with Parker, and excited for his current and upcoming chapters.”
“Parker embodies the drive, authenticity, and talent it takes to become a hitmaker in Nashville, and a force well beyond it.” adds Austen Adams, President, WCM Nashville. “Jessi and the team have done incredible work supporting him, and I’m excited to build on that momentum as we continue this journey.”
Brinley Addington Inks With SMACK
Brinely Addington with the SMACK team
Brinley Addington has inked a publishing deal with SMACK.
A Tennessee native, Addington moved to Nashville in 2008. In 2021, Addington earned his first No. 1 as a writer with Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris’ Grammy and CMA-nominated “Chasing After You,” and was named one of Spotify’s Hot Country Standout Songwriters of the Year.
He has earned cuts with Darius Rucker, Chris Janson, Brantley Gilbert, Parmalee, Tyler Farr, Kameron Marlowe and more, and released several albums of his own.
“I am truly thankful for the opportunity to write for a company as well respected as SMACK,” says Addington. “The writers and staff have built a culture and community that I’ve admired for a long time and I’m grateful that I get to be a part of it. When it comes to songs and the winning situations they create for their writers, their track record speaks for itself and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together.”
“We’ve known and admired Brinley for years, and it’s been a joy to watch his growth and success,” shares Carly Sater, Creative Manager at SMACK. “He brings a good-hearted nature and positive energy to everything he does—and to everyone around him. SMACK is grateful he’s putting his trust in us, and we’re excited to see what we can accomplish together.”
Travis Wood Extends Deal With Creative Nation
Pictured: (L-R, back row): Luke Laird, Cole Brown and Abigail Bruner. (L-R, front row): Abby Holcomb, Beth Laird, Travis Wood, Emily Furman, Alex Albanese and Kelsey Granda. Photo: Emily Stearns
Hit songwriter and producer Travis Wood has extended his deal with Creative Nation.
He first signed with Creative Nation in 2019, two years after moving to Nashville. Since joining the roster, he has penned cuts by Morgan Wallen, Jordan Davis, Cole Swindell, Ella Langley, Russell Dickerson, Corey Kent, Jake Owen, Matt Stell, Scotty McCreery and more.
Wood has collected two No. 1 radio hits with Davis’ “I Ain’t Sayin’” and Parmalee’s “Girl In Mine.” Additionally he also has 11 Canadian No. 1 songs.
“It never ceases to amaze me how Travis turns in hit after hit but each song is so well crafted and comes from a perspective that’s uniquely his,” says Creative Nation VP of Creative, Emily Furman. “His work ethic is second to none and it’s been so rewarding to see it pay off — we couldn’t be more excited to keep building in this next chapter with him!”
“I’m grateful to Luke [Laird], Beth [Laird], as well as everyone on the Creative Nation team, for their continued belief in me as a songwriter,” adds Wood. “I’m excited to keep pushing forward and add to what we’ve built together.”
Brandon Manley Signs With Drumatized & EMPIRE Publishing [Exclusive]
Brandon Manley. Photo: Jovon Wilson
Producer and songwriter Brandon Manley has inked with Drumatized and EMPIRE Publishing, led by Al “Butter” Mclean and Vinny Kumar. EMPIRE A&R Eric Hurt helped secure the deal.
“I’ve always admired Brandon’s ability to move effortlessly across genres. We are excited to partner with Tay Keith’s Drumatized to amplify his sound to audiences worldwide,” says Kumar, EMPIRE Publishing SVP, Head of Global Business
“Brandon is an exceptionally talented, multi-genre producer & songwriter who EMPIRE has worked a lot with,” adds Hurt. “We’re thrilled to partner with Drumatized on this deal as we combine efforts to build on Brandon’s successes and strengthen EMPIRE’s Nashville publishing division.”
Based in Nashville, Manley has collaborated with Chase Matthew, Billy Ray Cyrus, David Morris, Austin Williams, Rvshvd and more. He is known in music city for making tracks that combine Southern storytelling with modern sound, also while blending genres. He has drawn influence from Guns N’ Roses, Jamey Johnson and Nas.
As a writer, Manley pens tunes that have themes of love, struggle, redemption and small-town grit. On the production side, he combines country soul, Southern rock, hip-hop and energetic modern pop.
“Brandon is exactly the type of visionary we want to align with as Drumatized grows,” says Tay Keith, Founder of Drumatized. “Country music has always been rooted in real stories, and Brandon’s sound carries that tradition forward while pushing boundaries. He’s going to be a major part of this next chapter for us.”
“Partnering with Ghazi, Vinny Kumar & Eric Hurt of EMPIRE in Nashville on Brandon was a successful move for our label, brand and the future of Nashville’s culture,” shares Nicholas Brownlow, Drumatized Head of A&R.
“I’m excited to be part of something groundbreaking,” adds Manley. “Country music and hip-hop share more in common than people realize—both are rooted in truth and storytelling. With Drumatized and EMPIRE, we’re creating music for a global audience.”
The Woodlands Resort Announces Inaugural Songwriters Festival
The inaugural Songwriters Festival at The Woodlands Resort outside of Houston is set for Dec. 29-Jan. 1.
The festival features a lineup that includes Neal McCoy, Darryl Worley, The Frontmen, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Jamie O’Neal, Bridgette Tatum, Casey Beathard, Brice Long, Bobby Tomberlin and Wynn Varble.
The 350-acre oasis nestled among a lush forested landscape will host the all-inclusive, three-day celebration of music, cuisine and creativity, offering guests an unforgettable way to ring in the new year. The exclusive, all-inclusive event offers limited three-day packages available at woodlandsresort.com/event/
Dan Smalley, Terri Jo Box, Trent Tomlinson Among Cocoa Beach Hit Songwriter Fest Lineup
The Cocoa Beach Hit Songwriter Fest will take place on Oct. 17-19 in Florida, bringing singers and songwriters to the Space Coast for three days of live performances and stories behind the songs.
The lineup will feature Andrew Bloom, Bandana Brothers, Barrett Baber, Carvin Walls, CJ Fields, Collins Horton, D. Vincent Williams, Dan Smalley, Davis Corley, Dillon Dixon, Elisha Hoffman, Emily Henline, Emma Dunne, James Otto, Keith Stegall, Lil Skinny, Phillip White, Rachel Thibadeau, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Terri Jo Box, Trent Tomlinson, Trick Savage and Wynn Varble.
The festival will take place in downtown Cocoa Beach venues, restaurants and bars. Shows will range in size from small intimate performances to large street parties. On Saturday, the Heavy Hitters Main Event show will take place at the Radisson Resort at the Port in the Convention Center featuring some of Nashville’s top performers.
“The Cocoa Beach Hit Songwriter Fest pulls the curtain back on the internal workings of the music and songwriting industry and introduces festivalgoers to some of the biggest hit songwriters who help shape the music industry today,” says Mike Tyler, Operations Manager, Cumulus Melbourne. “We invite all music fans, songwriters, and aspiring songwriters to join us at the Cocoa Beach Hit Songwriter Fest for three days of great music, stories, and insights from the talented artists who wrote them. We are thrilled to present this one-of-a-kind experience for Space Coast music lovers and look forward to seeing you there!”
Tickets are on sale here.
Judge Grants The MLC To File Amended Complaint In Spotify Case
Last week, a judge from the Federal District Court in New York granted The MLC’s request to file an amended complaint in their ongoing case against Spotify. The ruling also denied relief Spotify was seeking in their motion for reconsideration.
This ruling give The MLC the ongoing opportunity to challenge Spotify’s bundling practices that have reduced songwriter and publisher royalties. The case will continue to be litigated, with potential for major financial and industry-wide implications.
“The MLC welcomes this Order granting our motion to file an amended complaint and recognizing our right to seek recovery of underpaid royalties from Spotify.” The MLC stated in response. “This is an important case. We brought it to ensure streaming royalties are properly paid under the law. We look forward to further demonstrating the merit in our claims.”
The MLC’s goal is to ensure that streaming royalties are accurately calculated and paid according to the law, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to protecting creator’s rights.
The MLC’s case against Spotify was first filed last year. The action seeks recovery of unpaid royalties due under the compulsory mechanical blanket license obtained by Spotify to reproduce and distribute musical works in the United States via its consumer music streaming platform.
“We are extremely pleased that the case against Spotify by The MLC has new momentum,” shared the NMPA in a statement. “The judge today upheld The MLC’s ability to file a new complaint alleging Spotify improperly used the Audiobooks Access plan and that Spotify actually owes royalties on the Audiobooks Access plan because it comes with music. This means songwriters and publishers have reason to hope that Spotify’s deceptive practices will be stopped. You cannot unilaterally convert music subscribers to bundles including audiobooks – to pay a lower royalty rate – then raise prices and make it exceedingly difficult to return to a music-only plan.”
Anthem Music Publishing Acquires Catalog Of Mark Holman [Exclusive]
Mark Holman
Anthem Music Publishing has acquired a catalog of songs from Grammy-nominated, Nashville-based songwriter and producer Mark Holman.
A native of Ewing, Illinois, Holman’s catalog includes No. 1 country hits such as “Single Saturday Night” by Cole Swindell and “Simple” by Florida Georgia Line. His songwriting and production credits span a wide range of artists such as Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Post Malone and more, including “Neon Eyes,” “Me On Whiskey,” and “Whatcha Think of Country Now,” three tracks from Morgan Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album.
Early in his career, Holman found success in the Christian rock space with hits like “Faceless” and “Feed the Machine” from RED’s Billboard No. 1 album, Until We Have Faces. As an artist, his work has also been featured in major media, including American Idol, The Biggest Loser, and Disney’s animated film Planes.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working directly with Mark in the past, so this feels like a full circle moment with a good friend,” says Noah Dewey, VP, Creative, Anthem Music Publishing Nashville. “His undeniable talent shows through in every song in this catalog. Anthem is honored to be trusted with this outstanding body of work.”
“I’m really excited these songs have found a home and I’m very grateful to Noah and the Anthem team,” adds Holman. “Anthem has always been a champion for music and songwriters and Noah is one of the best to do it.”
Category: Music News
